As August ushers in the last of the summer days, it's the perfect time to indulge in some fun and creative DIY projects with your kids or grandkids. Crafting fosters creativity and creates cherished memories. Here are some imaginative and easy-to- do craft ideas:

Nature Collage Boards

Materials: Cardboard, glue, scissors, and treasures from nature (leaves, flowers, small twigs and pebbles.)

Instructions: Take a nature walk to collect items. Cut cardboard into shapes and glue the collected items to create beautiful nature collages.

Painted Rock Garden Markers

Materials: Smooth stones, acrylic paints, paintbrushes and clear sealer.

Instructions: Paint stones with vibrant colors and fun designs, label them with herb or flower names, and use them as garden markers.

Handmade Bird Feeders

Materials: Pine cones, peanut butter, birdseed and string.

Instructions: Spread peanut butter over pine cones, roll pine cones in birdseed, tie a string around the top and hang them on tree branches.

DIY Wind Chimes

Materials: Sticks, string, small bells, beads and shells.

Instructions: Tie bells, beads, and shells to strings and attach them to a sturdy stick. Hang the wind chime outside and enjoy the soothing sounds.

Personalized Tote Bags

Materials: Plain canvas tote bags, fabric paint, stencils and brushes.

Instructions: Paint designs, names, or fun shapes on the bags using stencils and fabric paint. These totes are perfect for carrying books, groceries or beach gear.

These DIY projects are fun, easy to execute with common materials and a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories. Happy crafting!

"True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new." – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Implementing common-sense driving techniques is a smart way to save on gas, especially when gas prices are high. Here are some tips:

Fill up with regular gas. If you are using premium and you don't have to, then you'll save money on fuel with lower octane.

Be a smooth driver. Your passengers will enjoy the ride more and you'll use less gas. If you floor it to get away from a stop sign and have to brake hard at the next one, then you'll pay a big price in gas.

Buy gas in the morning. Because gas is denser when it’s cold, you can get more for your money if you buy gas early in the morning, say the experts who write for Business Week.

Check your tires. Because underinflated tires increase drag, more energy is used to move a car with soft tires. Not only that, but your tires will last longer if they are properly inflated. Check your tires in the morning for the most accurate reading.

Combining these simple practices into your daily driving routine can lead to noticeable savings over time, helping to make every gallon count when fuel costs are on the rise.

August 5,  Civic Holiday in Canada.

August 9, International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. This is a day to promote and protect the rights and achievements of indigenous populations.

August 12, International Youth Day. Take the opportunity to highlight and engage the potential of youth in your community.

August 26, International Dog Day. This day celebrates all breeds of dogs and encourages adoption.

August 30, National Toasted Marshmallow Day. Enjoy toasted marshmallows and make s'mores with friends and family.

Grilled dessert pizza is a fun and creative way to enjoy a sweet treat at your next barbecue or outdoor gathering.

Ingredients:

1 package of pre-made pizza dough (or homemade, if you prefer)

1/2 cup of Nutella or another hazelnut spread

1/2 cup of mini marshmallows

1/2 cup of fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)

1/4 cup of white chocolate chips

1 tablespoon of powdered sugar (optional)

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). If using charcoal, ensure the coals are evenly distributed for even cooking.

Grill to Perfection: Close the grill lid and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the pizza dough is fully cooked. Keep a close eye on the pizza to prevent burning.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the pizza is done, remove it from the grill and let it cool for a minute or two. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired, then cut into slices and serve.

Dessert Pizza Tips

Add Variety: You can customize your dessert pizza with different toppings, such as sliced bananas, chopped nuts, caramel sauce, or chocolate drizzle.

Grill Safety: Use grilling gloves and long-handled utensils for safety, and always monitor the grill while cooking.

Timing: The exact grilling time may vary depending on the grill and dough thickness, so adjust as needed.

Enjoy this delightful grilled dessert pizza with friends and family for a sweet ending to your summer barbecue!

Daedalus, a master craftsman and ingenious inventor from Ancient Greece, was famed for engineering the intricate labyrinth on the island of Crete, a maze constructed to confine the fearsome Minotaur. However, when Daedalus aided the hero Theseus in navigating the snaking paths of the maze to escape its clutches, he invoked the wrath of King Minos, the sovereign of Crete. Enraged, King Minos condemned Daedalus and his son, Icarus, to a desolate tower.

Daedalus, undeterred by his and Icarus’s grim circumstances, hatched a daring plan for freedom. He meticulously fashioned wings from a mosaic of feathers bound together with wax. As they prepared to take their perilous flight from captivity, Daedalus imparted a solemn warning to his son: "Fly not too high, lest the sun's blaze melt the wax. Nor too low, for the sea's mist will weigh down your wings."

Icarus, overwhelmed by the exhilaration of flight and the allure of liberty, carelessly soared too high, captivated by the boundless skies.

Tragically, as they glided over the azure expanses of the Aegean Sea, the scorching sun melted the wax of Icarus's wings. His desperate fall ended his life in the sea's cold embrace and left Daedalus to mourn his loss in solitude.

The tale serves as a poignant reminder: Ambition fuels the spirit, yet wisdom must guide it.

Remote work offers flexibility but it can also challenge productivity and work-life balance. Here's a condensed guide to staying focused and efficient while working from home:

Create a Dedicated Workspace: Designate a quiet, well-lit area as your workspace, separate from personal spaces. Use ergonomic furniture for comfort.

Establish a Routine: Set a consistent schedule for work, breaks, and meals to create structure and maintain balance.

Dress for Work: Dressing in work-appropriate attire can help set the right mindset, even when working from home. Be comfortable but avoid hanging out in your pajamas all day.

Minimize Distractions: Identify and reduce distractions, such as social media or noise, to stay focused during work hours.

Use Productivity Tools: Leverage task management and time-tracking apps like Trello, Asana, or Toggl to stay organized and efficient.

Take Regular Breaks: Avoid burnout by following the Pomodoro Technique of working in focused intervals with short breaks.

Communicate Effectively: Use video conferencing and messaging apps to maintain clear communication with your team.

Focus on Results: Prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines, focusing on outcomes rather than hours worked.

Implement these tips to boost productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance while working remotely.

“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” -- Paul J. Meyer

Dr. Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher, claimed that water crystals could be influenced by thoughts, words, and music.

In his experiments, Dr. Emoto exposed water to various stimuli and then froze it to examine the resulting crystals. He found that water exposed to positive words, such as "love" and "gratitude," or to classical music formed more intricate and beautiful crystals. Water exposed to negative words or harsh music produced less-appealing crystals.

Dr. Emoto's work became popular, especially among people interested in positive thinking. His book The Hidden Messages in Water gained a following. However, his research has been widely criticized for lacking scientific rigor and reproducibility.

Critics point out issues with his methods, including observer bias and the inability to replicate his results under controlled conditions.

Despite the controversy, Dr. Emoto's work continues to spark interest in the idea that thoughts and energy could influence physical phenomena.

While his experiments are not scientifically validated, they raise questions about the power of positivity and our connection to the environment. To confirm his claims, more rigorous scientific studies would be required.

Summer can pose challenges for pet owners, with heat, outdoor activities, and travel impacting pet safety. Here are some tips to maintaining pets’ happiness and health during the summer months:

Beat the Heat. Pets can be susceptible to heatstroke, so it's crucial to keep them cool. Avoid walking pets during the hottest part of the day, provide plenty of fresh water, and ensure shaded areas are available. Cooling mats and pet-friendly pools can also help maintain pets’ comfort.

Traveling with Pets. Use secure carriers for car travel, stop frequently for bathroom breaks, and never leave pets in a parked car. When traveling by air, check airline policies on pet transport and choose direct flights when possible.

Outdoor Safety. Pets often spend more time outdoors during summer, which can increase their risk of becoming injured or getting lost. Use identification tags and microchips and keep pets on a leash in unfamiliar areas. Check out tips on pet-proofing backyards and ensure fences are secure.

July has been the backdrop for significant historical events that have shaped nations, cultures, and ideologies. This article explores and reflects on some notable moments in history that occurred during July.

Canada Day, July 1: This marks the unification of the country's provinces. Activities throughout Canada include fireworks, concerts, and other festive events.

American Independence: One of the most celebrated events in July is American Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the United States' journey as a sovereign nation, leading to a global impact on democracy and governance. Today, Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks, parades, and patriotic ceremonies throughout the United States.

The Storming of the Bastille: July 14 marks Bastille Day, a significant event in French history. In 1789, the storming of the Bastille, a fortress and prison in Paris, became a symbol of the French Revolution and the fight against tyranny. Bastille Day is now a national holiday in France, celebrated with parades, fireworks, and communal festivities.

The First Moon Landing: On July 20, 1969, humanity achieved a monumental feat with the first moon landing during NASA's Apollo 11 mission. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon, an event memorialized by Armstrong's iconic words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." This achievement marked a milestone in space exploration and remains an inspiration for scientific discovery and human ingenuity.

International Ice Cream Day, July 21: International Ice Cream Day celebrates one of the world's most popular desserts. What's your favorite flavor?

The Signing of the Civil Rights Act: On July 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act, a landmark legislation in American history. This act aimed to end segregation and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Civil Rights Act became a cornerstone for advancing equality and social justice, laying the foundation for future civil rights movements.

2024 Summer Olympics, July 26: Let the games begin in Paris!

These historical moments remind us of the power of change and the importance of commemorating milestones that continue to shape our world. Each event offers lessons in courage, determination, and the enduring spirit of humanity.

Life certainly has a knack for keeping us on our toes. Among work, family and the myriad small tasks that fill our days, it's too easy to overlook the importance of pausing to catch our breath.

Reflecting on how much can change in just a few years is astonishing — new jobs, new friendships and a host of new experiences. The prospect of starting anew can be equally thrilling and daunting. But therein lies its beauty, right? Each day presents a fresh opportunity to reinvent ourselves — to craft something novel and to discover joy in the endeavor.

What I've realized is that change is the only constant in life. People weave in and out of our lives, and we find ourselves embarking on new paths — sometimes nearby, sometimes far away. Change is a part of the adventure, and each move brings us a step closer to where we're destined to be.

If you're at a crossroads or simply contemplating a shift in your life, then remember that you're not navigating this alone. Making significant life decisions can be daunting, and having a trusted friend can truly lighten the load. Also remember that you are that friend to someone else who’s going through a transition.

Here's to embracing both the monumental and the minute changes and to navigating this marvelous journey of life. I look forward to staying connected and am here for you whenever you need support or someone to talk with.

Gino

RE/MAX Heights Realty

(604) 418-9366